The opening maiden hurdle at Down Royal boiled down to a duel between the two market leaders with Doctor Bravo proving strongest in the closing stages. The Big Doyen went to post 10/11 favourite in the two-mile-one contest with the eventual winner an 11/10 shot.

Davy Russell weaved his way through horses to dispute going to the second last as The Big Doyen travelled well on the outer to join him.

Gordon Elliott 's charge had a narrow advantage over the last as they battled it out and stayed on best on the run-in to record a two-and-three-quarter length success.

The winner had chased home Dark Raven on his jumping debut at Leopardstown over Christmas having previously landed a Fairyhouse bumper earlier last month.

Elliott said: "He's a nice horse but probably wants a bit further.

"Davy said he did well because it was a messy race and he kind of got stuck in a pocket. He showed a good attitude and he said the best of him was from the last to the line."

When asked if he was looking forward to seeing Teahupoo up in trip in the extended three mile Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on Thursday, he added: "I'm looking forward to every day!

"It is a step up in trip and it looks like it will suit him, so we will see what happens.

"We will get Thursday out of the way but that (Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham) is what we are thinking. We are dreaming rather than thinking!"

(Quotes by Michael Graham)